Thursday, July 18, 2013

Gotta Know Who Your Friends Are

Twenty two men vying for four positions on the Fort Wayne Police force
in 1896 may not seem extreme to those of us recalling dire headlines of the
economic stress of only a few years ago. I’m sure the Stevens household—with a
sweet sixteen daughter and a son just entering adolescence—rejoiced at John Kelly Stevens’ good fortune at being one of the three selected in the final
decision.

The copy of the announcement in the Fort Wayne News on May 22, 1896, may have seemed rather perfunctory—well,
other than the odd mention that “they are all democrats”—but that is only
because yesterday, we were looking at the situation through the lens of just one newspaper.

Let’s take a stroll on over to the other side, and get a
look at how the Fort Wayne Gazette saw the proceedings. Mind you, it will be an entirely different picture. And
since it is rather long-winded, I’ll save any further commentary on the subject
for tomorrow’s post.

For now, just savor the contrasts and ponder how different
life might have been, back in the 1800s, for our ancestors.

From the front page of this other newspaper on that very
same day:

Ax is Swinging

Officers Being
Decapitated to Give Place
to Hungry Followers.

The board of public
safety is getting the ax in good working order and members of the police force
are being decapitated in right royal style. There are no particular charges
that can be brought against these men, save that they voted for Oakely and attended
to their official duties in good style. That coupled with the fact that the
"hungry and thirsty" are relentless in their demands for places, is
sufficient offense in the opinion of the board to "fire" them. Last
night the board accepted the "resignations" of Officers Bower and
Lamb. Buechnor and Tanner did not respond to the board's request to
"resign" and they were incontinently fired, and their places will be
filled with some one who "can be of some assistance in campaigns."

John Pageler, Patrick
Murphy and John K. Stevens were appointed to the force. The former is a
resident of the Eighth ward, the second is an ex-member of the force, and
Stevens was a railroad man.

A score or more of the
200 applicants for position on the force were before the board. They were
investigated as to whether they would fill the requirements, because under the
present administration it is necessary that the applicant have in him the
making of a good ward heeler, and they will be given positions as rapidly as
the Republican members on the force can be decapitated upon trumped-up charges.
Another batch of applications, in addition to the 200, were received and filed
for future reference.

I really find it sad when politics gets involved in the so-called "justice system" in this country. Politics is a corruption of the Founding Father's vision for an independent, "blind to situation and circumstance" branch of government.

I get the feeling that "...a railroad man..." might have been used as a slur - since many of them were "looked down on" as "lower class" folks.

That is an interesting observation, Iggy. After taking a look at another newspaper excerpt that I found--the one with that "superior" air--it did seem to take on the perspective of those looking down from their lofty heights.

Of course, I haven't yet begun to delve into what role affinity with the ethnic Irish may have played in how John Kelly was seen. That may introduce another whole aspect to the study.

All righty, then. They should have "the making of a good ward heeler." They say that all politics is local, and this story is a perfect example. That is some presiding metaphor they use: decapitation. At least this article makes no bones about the issue -- nothing is hidden.

I think having more than one newspaper in a town is an illustration of the dynamics of a free press--at least the way it was meant to be in this country. Sometimes, we get a better picture of the way things are when we have access to a multitude of voices, even if those voices seem to be in opposition to each other. At least, then, the "innocent bystander" can take a look at all points of view and judge for himself or herself.

Thanks for sending that link, Iggy. That was an interesting listing to see! I'll have to see if I can find the reports issued for other years in that time period. I do have a question about how long John Kelly Stevens maintained his rank as sergeant--of course, I'm getting ahead of myself here, but I've seen conflicting reports. Data like this would help answer that question.

With all the online portals to historic newspapers now, we certainly get quite the opportunity to read how they told it like it was. I can't help myself: I find it fascinating reading, though at times, it seems outrageous what people wrote!

About Me

It is my contention that, after a lifetime, one of the greatest needs people have is to be remembered. They want to know: have I made a difference?
I write because I can't keep for myself the gifts others have entrusted to me. Through what I've already been given--though not forgetting those to whom I must pass this along--from family I receive my heritage; through family I leave a legacy. With family I weave a tapestry. These are my strands.